Hello,

Twice this week I caught myself doing something that gave me pause.

I was about to reach out to someone for their input, then thought, “Actually, I’ll just ask ChatGPT.”

Both times felt efficient. Both times were completely wrong.

watts not working: Choosing AI because it’s quicker and easier, even when human input is what we actually need.

First incident: I was going to message my Australia team for case studies and experience shares for a new project. Good for the project, good for them to feel involved, good for our connection across continents.

Instead, I thought “I’ll just generate some examples with AI.”

Second incident: I was going to text my mentor about a challenge I’m facing. Then I stopped – “He’s busy and prominent, I won’t bother him. I’ll just ask ChatGPT what he would say.”

Efficient? Sure. Smart? Absolutely not.

watts really happening: AI is giving us permission to disconnect from the very relationships that actually matter.

We’re trading human input for artificial efficiency. We’re choosing speed over connection. We’re solving for convenience while starving our relationships.

That message to my Australia team? That’s not just about case studies.

That’s about them feeling valued, included, part of something bigger – and me learning from what we know is actually working in real life!

That text to my mentor? That’s not just about getting advice. That’s about maintaining a relationship that’s meant something to my career for years. And here’s the thing he always tells me – he learns from my questions too. These conversations go both ways, but I was about to rob us both of that exchange for the sake of convenience.

watts working: Leaders who are thriving right now are doing the opposite – they’re becoming MORE intentional about human connection, not less.

They’re protecting one-on-one time like it’s sacred. They’re reaching out more, not less. They’re asking their people for input even when AI could give them an answer faster.

Why? Because AI can give you information. Only humans can give you perspective, context, and the kind of insight that comes from actually knowing your business.

watts the real game changer: Make one-on-ones and team connection time non-negotiable in your calendar.

Not because you don’t have AI. Because you do.

The more efficient AI makes us at getting things done, the more important it becomes to stay connected to the humans we’re doing them with.

AI can replace a lot. It can’t replace the feeling your team gets when you reach out for their input. It can’t replace the relationship maintenance that happens in those “small” interactions.

Have a week of choosing connection over convenience!

Sel

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P.S. Looking for more? Please visit the wattsnextpx website and blog to discover more valuable content and updates.